Q&A for How to Pierce Your Own Belly Button at Home

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Question

What if you don't have a clamp?

Community Answer

You can use the silver part of a binder clip or butterfly clip to hold the skin tight.

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Question

At what age can I get my belly button pierced?

Community Answer

16 with parental consent in most places for it to be legal. I wouldn't do it before then, and some people choose to wait till they're 18 since your body is still growing and this can increase your chance of the body rejecting the piercing.

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Question

Can I have a shower after doing the piercing?

Community Answer

Yes, but maybe put something over your belly button piercing for the first few times.

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Question

Can I sill workout, or will the sweat infect the piercing?

Community Answer

Yes, you can! There are videos that show you how, since there may be certain moves you should avoid. Simply look up, "exercises to do with a belly button piercing" on YouTube.

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Question

Why can't I go to the beach after I pierced my belly?

Community Answer

You can go to the beach. You just can't get any dirt, sand, or water near your piercing because it will get infected.

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Question

Is it safe to take a bath after piercing the navel?

Community Answer

No. The water can harbor bacteria that you cannot see is lingering at the bottom of the tub.

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Question

Can I go in a hot tub 20 days after my piercing have been done?

Community Answer

This is not a good idea. The bacteria in the water can make the piercing an easy target for infection. It is best to wait until the piercing has fully healed.

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Question

How can I determine the correct spot for the piercing?

Community Answer

If you feel above your belly bottom, you will feel cartilage and if you can't tell, just pinch it. Don't use your nail, use your fingertips. It shouldn't hurt -- if it doesn't hurt, then you have found the area and you just want it to be centered.

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Question

How can I numb my belly button before I do this procedure?

Community Answer

You can numb it with an ice cube that's been wrapped in a paper towel. You can also apply a little bit of numbing gel on it with a q-tip.

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Question

Where can I get the needle to pierce my belly button?

Community Answer

You can buy the needle online. Make sure to boil it in water for 10 minutes first to sterilize it.

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Question

How am I supposed to take a bath?

Community Answer

It's better to just shower, but if you must take a bath, thoroughly clean your entire bathtub before you bathe.

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Question

What do I do to avoid infection?

Community Answer

You need to keep the piercing clean by washing it 2-3 times a day. You should use either antibacterial soap, or saline solution. However, it is best if you get your piercing done at a sterile professional location.

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Question

How long after piercing the naval can you have sex?

Community Answer

It is not necessary to wait. Various positions are safe to practice without closeness to the navel. Just be sure to avoid any position that places pressure in this area and change if you feel discomfort.

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Question

What size belly bar do you need to pierce the belly?

Community Answer

You will need a 14-gauge belly bar at first, but you can change it after it is healed.

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Question

What if I have surgery soon?

Community Answer

Don't do it. Wait until after the surgery is completely healed. Most health agencies advise against getting piercings around the area of surgery, and even suggest taking out existing ones and letting them heal.

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Question

Can I go swimming with a piercing 3-4 months after it's pierced?

Community Answer

Unless it's completely healed you should cover it up with a waterproof rubber bandage, but it depends on how fast you heal.

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Question

You can't take a bath, but showers are fine, right?

Community Answer

Yes, showers are fine.

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Question

How do I pierce it in the right spot?

Community Answer

If you feel above your belly button, you will feel cartilage and if you can't tell, just pinch it. Don't use your nails, use your fingertips.

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Question

How do I know when it is fully healed?

Community Answer

When you have no pain moving it around it is healed.

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Question

Can I swim in a one-piece swimsuit after piercing?

Community Answer

No, because the pool water can still come in contact with your navel piercing through your suit which may cause infections. Wait for 4-6 months to be on the safe side.

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Question

Do I have to sleep a certain way? And can it rip open or tear apart?

Community Answer

If it gets caught on something, then it can rip. Also you shouldn't go trampolining. You don't really need to sleep a certain way, just find a position that won't put pressure on the piercing.

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Question

Can I go running without getting my piercing infected?

Community Answer

Yes, but I would wait at least a week or so after getting the piercing. Also, make sure your piercing doesn't fall out whilst you're running.

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Question

Since I don't have the right earring things for the belly button, what should I use?

Community Answer

I would strongly suggest you just wait until you have the correct jewelry before piercing your belly button.

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Question

What if this your first time doing it?

Community Answer

For most people, it is. Just follow the instructions above and keep it clean. Maybe even have a friend or family member do it for you if you're nervous. If you're really worried, it's a good idea to get it done professionally.

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Question

Can I pierce my belly button if I'm fat?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Your weight doesn't have anything to do with piercing your belly button.

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Question

What are some other ways you can numb the area other than an ice cube or the numbing gel?

Community Answer

Ice is one of the most common ways for numbing the skin, however, rubbing alcohol, numbing sprays, and oral, over-the-counter painkillers such as Advil or Tylenol can be used to numb the area.

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Question

How long does it take for the piercing to heal? I pierced it myself and want to put a new ring in it, but I don't want to do it too soon. Suggestions?

Community Answer

Go to a professional piercer and get them to have a look for you. There is no fixed date as to when you can change the jewelry, everyone heals at a different rate.

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Question

How old do I have to be to get my belly button pierced at a shop?

Community Answer

Generally, depending on the state, you will need to be 18 to get your belly button pierced without parental consent. If you're under 18, you may be able to get pierced with parental consent. You should do some research on your state's laws; I would also recommend calling your desired piercing shop beforehand for more detailed information.

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Question

Do I need to use a 16g needle for 14g jewelry?

Melanie Sykes

Community Answer

16g is smaller than 14g, so if you pierced your bellybutton with a 16g needle, you would have to stretch the hole so the 14g could fit.

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Question

How long after can I go swimming in a pool?

Community Answer

About 2-4 months later you can swim. You don't want to infect it, so try to stay away from baths and large bodies of water that you soak in.

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